Kevin Costner’s Top 4 Favorite Westerns — Including One He Stars In
Between Ambition and Legacy: Kevin Costner’s Bold Quest to Reinvent the Western
When Kevin Costner goes all in, the western genre gets a powerful jolt of new life. Already a celebrated talent with a remarkable track record, Costner is now placing his own treasure on the line—literally—to reshape a genre that’s deeply rooted in cinematic history. But what motivates a legend to take such a daring leap?
A Grand Vision for the Big Screen
Kevin Costner has always had a deep love for westerns. Now, he’s pursuing an audacious goal: to create what he calls the greatest western ever made. With his epic project Horizon: An American Saga, Costner is betting big—he’s invested over $100 million of his own money. This isn’t just a project; it’s a passion fueled by total dedication. To fully commit, he even stepped away from the popular series Yellowstone—a bold move reflecting his desire to leave a lasting mark on this beloved genre.
A Discerning Eye for Western Classics
Known for his strong opinions on film, Costner’s taste in westerns is refined. In a recent interview, he revealed that only a handful—about five to ten films—truly capture the spirit of the genre. Among his favorites is his own Open Range, a testament to his connection to the western tradition.
Other films he holds in high esteem include timeless classics like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Unforgiven, and The Searchers. For Costner, these movies perfectly embody the western’s core elements: moral conflict, stunning landscapes, and richly developed characters.
Honoring the Giants: Clint Eastwood and John Wayne
No conversation about westerns is complete without acknowledging the icons who shaped it. Costner pays homage to legends such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood—two actors who represent very different but equally essential facets of the genre. Wayne’s legendary presence and Eastwood’s darker, more complex storytelling continue to influence Costner’s own work.
Through Horizon, Costner hopes to add his voice to this legacy, creating a saga that reflects the passion and depth these icons inspired in him.
What’s Your Favorite Western?
While Kevin Costner has his personal favorites, the western genre continues to connect audiences across generations. Are you drawn to the raw intensity of Open Range or the moral complexity of Unforgiven? One thing’s certain: whether honoring the classics or forging ambitious new paths, Costner remains a powerful champion for the western’s enduring spirit.
